Sanguinetti caps Canes comeback vs. Islanders

New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey (14) and goalie Kevin Poulin (60) defend the crease as Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti (24) and teammates surround them in the first period of their NHL hockey game at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) —

Defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti's first NHL goal snapped a tie midway through the third period, and the Carolina Hurricanes rallied to beat the New York Islanders 4-2 and snap a three-game losing streak Sunday night.

Sanguinetti, a former first-round draft pick of the New York Rangers, fired a snap shot from the top of the right circle over the glove hand of goalie Kevin Poulin at 10:17. The 24-year-old defenseman, who has battled injuries throughout his career, had one assist in 20 NHL games before Sunday. He spent most of last season with AHL Charlotte.

John Tavares and Matt Moulson had given the Islanders a 2-0 lead midway through the first period, and New York seemed on its way to a third straight victory.

But Eric and Jordan Staal scored 45 seconds apart late in the second period to tie it at 2.